Donghee America will produce fuel tanks to serve the nearby automotive industry, which includes a Hyundai assembly plant in Montgomery, Alabama and Kia plant in nearby West Point, Georgia. The company’s highly sophisticated manufacturing process will require it to employ a large number of engineers, Alabama officials said. The hiring of key members of the operation already has started.

Chairman D.H. Lee of Donghee Group said the company’s Alabama location will allow Donghee America to better serve its customers, Hyundai and Kia. “I appreciate the support from the State of Alabama under the leadership of Governor Bentley,” Chairman Lee said. “We are looking forward to a prosperous and successful partnership between the State of Alabama and the Donghee Group. Soon, we will be able to say, ‘Made in Alabama.”

Auburn Mayor Bill Ham Jr. said, “Donghee America is a great fit for Auburn’s industrial community and will bring innovation and high-tech jobs to our economy.”

“Our special gratitude goes out to Mayor Ham and the leadership at the City of Auburn. The general conditions we find in the City of Auburn will allow for the necessary support that Donghee America will require moving forward with our state-of-the-art manufacturing operation,” said Gyung-Soo Kim, President of Donghee America.

“Alabama has a strong workforce and a positive business climate, and that helps us recruit well-paying jobs for the people of this state,” Gov. Robert Bentley said. “Alabama’s role in the automotive industry continues to grow.”

“We are working with state and local economic developers for more good opportunities, and this announcement is a great example of what a strong economic development program can accomplish,” Bentley added. “We welcome Donghee America to Auburn and look forward to working with company leaders to help them succeed and even expand their business here in Alabama.”